Geile Strecke 2024

APEX:GEILE STRECKE

By Leandra @happiestcycling

On June 1st, we organized the "APEX:GEILE STRECKE" event, a 220km gravel route from Nijmegen to Maastricht, traversing some of the most beautiful forest paths, gravel lanes, and single tracks. The day began at Crossroads, a cycling café and SYN clubhouse in Nijmegen. Dozens of enthusiastic gravel riders gathered there, warmly welcomed and treated to exceptionally good coffee.

The atmosphere was vibrant, morale was high, and the participants gradually set off for the 220km gravel ride with the goal of crossing the province of Limburg. After weeks of rain, the paths were wet, and the weather on the event day unfortunately didn’t spare the riders either. Despite the challenging conditions, the participants reached the first stop in high spirits after covering 70km of wet gravel paths and slippery trails through Sint Jansberg and National Park De Maasduinen, among other areas.

At this stop, riders enjoyed freshly made sandwiches, chips, fruit, candy, and of course the GEILE STRECKE playlists that brought smiles to their mud-covered faces.

Continuing through areas like Leermarksche Heide and Venloer Heide, the gravel riders made their way to the stunning De Meinweg National Park. The journey to this point was tough, with wet paths and a significant rainstorm. Squeaky brakes and creaking bikes rolled into the second stop. Bottles were refilled, chains were lubricated, and hunger was quickly satisfied. The chatter was now more subdued, but the goal remained: to reach the Markt in Maastricht.

One by one, they set off again, facing more muddy surprises. Enjoying the beautiful views was coupled with slogging through the soggy gravel paths. By this point there was more suffering than joy. Riders helped each other through tough moments and kept the spirit high together. On the Markt in Maastricht, the riders were easily recognizable: on dirty bikes mud-covered, smiling gravel riders rolled into the city center. Over drinks and fresh pizzas, they shared stories of their APEX:GEILE STRECKE adventures. Alongside a trove of wonderful memories, new friendships were made. Still covered in mud but satisfied, they headed home. APEX:GEILE STRECKE 2024 was definitely one for the books!